Two Very Special Guests!

My parents have faced incredible challenges over their 39 years of marriage. Most have to do with the rare disease my mom has - called Porphyria. Combining a severe case of porphyria with some other emotional challenges, my mom has become very sick having had strokes and other complications along the way. So for the twelve years I've lived in TX my parents have never been able to visit. My mom did fly out one time when I lived in Ft. Worth, but the main point of her trip was to have me drive her down to Houston for a doctor appointment. She had not had a stroke yet so she was more mobile back then, but still very sick. Dad had to work so he could not come out.

So, for the first time in 12 years, my parents decided "We're going to make this happen as best we can" and they did. Mom and Dad arrived at our home on Oct. 16 very tired, but happy to be here. And my family and I were so excited too! They stayed with us for 8 days. Because of mom's health we were limited to a few hours out each day but we still managed to see a whole host of San Antonio highlights....dinosaur tracks, River Walk, the Alamo, Boerne shopping, The Botanical Gardens of SA, the Guadalupe river, and more! Mom became really weak about half way through the trip and later we found out she has a staff infection in her urinary tract. So please be praying for her to heal from that.

When Billy, the girls and I travel to SC to visit my family we remain very busy seeing all my family and friends who live there. The girls have very little time alone with their Papa and Gigi. So having my parents in our home where the girls could just be alone with them was priceless. We enjoyed cooking special meals and just being with each other.

Dad is working very hard to give mom the care she needs. I am amazed by his strength - emotionally, spiritually, mentally. He is a strong, humble man. And my mom has been sick for so so long. I really can't imagine how she must feel all day long as she struggles to simply get from room to room. Prayers for them are always appreciated.

Mom and Dad, THANK YOU so much for working so hard to come out here. I know it was not an easy trip at all and you arrived back at your home with complete exhaustion. Thank you for your sacrifice!!! Love you both so much!

So - here are the fabulous pictures we took during their stay!

I can't remember the last time I was able to get a picture of me with both mom and dad. I was so glad we got this one!

Dad and Mom with the girls and me.

Billy was our photographer for the day. That's why he isn't in this picture.

Mom holding Gracie.

We went to a pumpkin patch in Boerne with mom and dad. Above and below are two of many cute pictures we got of the girls that day. I'll post more in my next post reviewing all of October.

Mom and Dad bought the big pumpkin for us. The wind was blowing and that's why mom's hair is all coming forward. I promise we didn't let it stay that way!

We are rarely ever able to get a photo of our family together so dad helped us out and captured this one. Of course, it is near impossible to get everyone looking at the camera at once. So here, Libby is not looking. Oh well... Cute picture anyway!

Libby and Billy during our visit to the Botanical Gardens with Mom and Dad.

Dad and I, Botanical Gardens of SA

adding Libby in there.

Mom and Dad bought Libby a soccer goal for her birthday so she can practice. She loves it!!!!

Papa plays soccer with Libs!

Gigi and Papa head home....sad day! But they look really cute!

Link to Gracie's Update

Gracie is now 9 months old. To read an update and see pictures click HERE! Or go to: www.adoptingaria.blogspot.com

The Libster

Libby is almost 4. That makes me want to cry... 4? really? How can it be? But sure enough, next month the celebration of her 4 years of life will arrive. Libby has grown into a whole new little girl in the last few months. Her love for Gracie makes my heart melt. She's beginning to ask big questions about her adoption. Tonight, as a matter of fact, she was looking over pictures on our wall of our first moment holding her and our first moment with Gracie. Then she asked, "mom, why didn't other people end up with me?" She was basically wanting to know how we were the ones who ended up being her parents. We had a great talk about it and in the end she started hugging me and in her baby voice said, "you're MY mommy, MY mommy!" Be still my heart!

Libby is in love with her Bible Reader's DVDs. Its the Bible set to cartoon/movie. She is absorbing knowledge of Jesus and His Word at such a fast pace and with great depth for her age. She is also starting to incorporate some of the lines in the DVDs to situations in other contexts. Sometimes she's dead on. Sometimes she is not. About 2 weeks ago Libby was sitting in my lap and kissing my arm - just being sweet. But then she said, "mom, I don't want to lose you." I was taken back a little since that statement was out of the norm, but quickly we moved on from that conversation. A few days later, Libby was in the tub and she looked at me very seriously and said, "Mom, you are going to die in 3 days." Now I was starting to get scared. I mean, Libby has been somewhat prophetic in the past about some things so I literally started counting the days to recall what we would be doing. It was going to be Monday and we would be at a revival in East Texas. Hmmm... what might happen on that day. I was a bit concerned. Later that evening I told Billy what she said. After a few minutes he started laughing and said, "She got that from her Bible DVD when Joseph interpret's a dream and has to tell his co-jailer that he will indeed die in 3 days." We now laugh everytime her DVD gets to that part. Whew!

It's fun seeing Libby try to incorporate the information she learns into other areas of learning. For instance, Libby is always asking why God made trees, rocks, flowers, grass, etc. I give her answers including science facts and she loves to soak in the details. But one day she had a different idea. She asked, "Mom, why did God make rocks?" After I gave her the basic answer she replied, "No mom, God made rocks so David could kill Goliath." Well... I never thought of it that way, but yeah - maybe so.

Libby is now on a soccer team. She went to one practice, had to miss the first game because we were out of town, and now she has the flu and has missed another practice. Hopefully she can get well and play this weekend. Libby still loves to play drums and keeps asking for lessons... I'm putting that off for obvious reasons (NOISE!). And Libby loves being back in Mom's Day Out. Her teachers are Tanya and Sharon. She loves them both and loves Mrs. Bonnie (the music teacher) as well.

Maybe I'm biased, but Libby gets more and more beautiful everyday, inside and out. Every day I thank God for her.

Eight Months Old and Counting

Gracie Lu turned 8 months on Sept 22. She is growing incredibly fast. She is currently (at 8 1/2 months) 19 pounds and 14oz... just under the big 20!!! She has fat thighs and her arms are filling out too. Her hair is growing into soft precious curls. It mostly grows on the top while the sides and back are still short. Her skin is constantly dry. I've tried a hundred lotions, it seems, and nothing has really worked. I lotion her up every morning and night and have even used baby oil gel... still she is dry and ashy - (advice anyone?).

Gracie is sitting up perfectly with great control of her head, neck and trunk. She rolls everywhere and every-which-way. She recently started sliding backwards on her belly. Since our first floor is mostly tile/wood she backward slides all around the kitchen and living area. When she runs into a wall, she scoots herself around and slides backwards away from the wall. Very cute!

Gracie also recently started putting her hand out and cupping her fingers in and out, as if she is telling us to come near. Gracie and Libby are a delight to watch together, especially in the morning hours. They make each other smile and laugh. They cuddle and bounce and chatter back and forth. I love it!

Almost 2 weeks ago we decided Gracie was able to sleep through the night without a bottle. It only took about 2-3 interrupted nights for her to get it. She now sleeps through the night from 7PM to about 6-6:30AM. We have some seriously early mornings (at least, for me...I haven't regularly seen 6AM in YEARS! I am a late night person learning that early nights are to become the norm for a while). In the last 6 weeks Gracie has also started eating baby foods such as oatmeal, carrots, sweet potatoes, apple sauce, pears, butternut squash, green beans, peas and bananas.

Gracie has been on several long car rides/trips and a few more flights in her short life. She travels alright but definitely is not as content in a car seat as Libby used to be. Gracie will NOT nap unless she is in her own crib or pack n play. She sometimes falls asleep in the car, but as soon as the car comes to a stop for more than 30 seconds - she is up! She is incredibly alert at ALL times.

While Libby is more an observer of people at first meet, Gracie is just the opposite. When she meets new people she leans towards them and then comes back and tilts her head into my chest as she bats her eye lashes and smiles big at the new person. She is such a flirt in that way. I can't describe at all the brightness and life that comes to her eyes when she smiles. The camera just can't do her justice regarding those eyes and smile.

Gracie had her first moment in the playset swing last week and its her new love. She just sits there and smiles as see breezes back and forth. (side note: today while the girls were swinging I was pulling a few weeds without gloves and proceeded to pull up bullnettle (sp?). Uh... can you say PAIN!!!!!!)

Gracie has literally skipped the 3-6 month sizes and is almost in 12 month clothes. Today a box arrived from my sister. It was full of Libby's old clothes that I had let Becky borrow for her youngest. When I opened it I was reminded of all the sweet pictures and moments of Libby in those clothes and then I realized that Libby wore most of those 12 month clothes AFTER she turned one and she was walking. Gracie is only 8 months and not even crawling yet. I'd say she is done "catching up" and has surpassed the "average" for her age body growth. Amazing transformation!

So... here's what you really want to see:

PHOTOS!!!!!!:

I love this pic bc what the girls are wearing reflects them individually very well! Gracie's outfit says, "little miss tea party" and Libby's says "big sister's are the coolest" - which she totally is with that baseball cap.

the cutest gummy grin ever!

not the best pic of Libby, but pic is so true to their sisterhood. Libby loves on Gracie all day long and is usually the only one who can make Gracie laugh.

Gracie's first time out on the swing!

Paci party!

Libby decided to put her hair clips in Gracie's hair. The entire moment was adorable! And below was the end result!

And Gracie's face is saying, "are you sure this is right?"

This was early one morning and Gracie's little face was puffy bc she was still waking up.

Wendy, Robbie and Brooke Come in Town!!!

Wendy (Billy's sister) and her husband, Robbie, and daughter, Brooke, drove down to spend some time with us this past weekend. The rain was pouring down for most of the trip but we managed to have fun anyway! Brooke was so excited to see Libby that when she arrived she raced up the front porch and into the house before she realized that Libby was waiting for her on the front steps! haha!! Libby was ready to play! They changed clothes together a thousand times and sang us many songs.

Libby and Brooke play and hug in Libby's room. We bought a trundle for Libby's bed so Brooke and future friends/cousins can come over and stay for a while.

Libby made a "I love Brooke" sign to welcome her cousin. They played and were silly together from the very first second Brooke entered our home.

Wendy and Gracie

Brooke holds Gracie!

After a great night of conversations with Wendy and Robbie we all slept well and woke on Saturday ready for a day at Sea World!!! It was an entire day of fun and entertainment. The rain poured down until we arrived and then the sun came out and the day was perfect from then on!

Brooke and Libby loved feeding the dolphins together!

Maybe these dolphins are cousins.

Wendy, Libby, Brooke and me inside the shark aquarium.

Robbie gets some love from Brooke and Libby.

Libby and Brooke held hands and walked together for a while. It was really cute!

Lots of walking!

The girls had a blast on the Shamu Express - a kiddie roller coaster ride. You should've heard those girls scream and laugh. They loved it!

The fabulous Shamu show is NEVER disappointing!

Daddy and his girl! (well, one of them)

Robbie and his girl!

This was the best part of all!!! Wendy and I took the girls on the Log Ride and they LOVED IT!!!! We just had to ride it twice! It was so much fun watching them enjoy their first big ride! Great memories!

Back Home, Back to School, Gotcha Day Dinner Year 3

Gracie and Libby back at home. It is so much fun watching them play together and love on each other!

This outfit was Libby's about 3 years ago. It is very cute on Lu!

Libby dressed in the new t-shirt her daddy bought for her on his fly-fishing trip for her first day back to "school" (aka Mom's Day Out). I love the sweet look on her face. She was excited to go back to school!

Gracie in her new dress. I love the pics of her in this dress! Adorable!!!!

After her first day in school we dressed Libby in her Chinese finest for a special, annual Gotcha Day Dinner with the Martine family. A special night indeed!

Daddy and Libby

Libby insisted on taking our picture too!

Mommy loves her girls!

Beautiful Liberty Song!

Smiling Maliah! Libby and Maliah are like sisters! They knew each other before we even knew them. They adore each other and play so well together. They are both very imaginative and full of energy!

This is one of the funniest pictures - I just love the look on her face. It makes me giggle every time I see it!

Best Friend Hugs!

Maliah, Dakota and Libby - all dressed up for the special dinner

All four girls together. Gracie was getting creamed with love!

This was such a special night! I can't believe it's already been 3 years since that amazing day of promises come true! Wow! We love you Martines and are so thankful God allowed us to travel together and become such awesome friends!

Our Trip to Charleston

On Aug. 27, 2009 I made my first big trip with the two girls in tow without Billy. Billy went on his annual fly-fishing trip and I decided to brave the flights to see my family and celebrate my dad's 60th birthday and my sister's 32nd. birthday as well as meet Hunter - my first nephew - and introduce Gracie to my family and friends. The girls were fabulous on all the flights!!!!

We stayed very busy between seeing all the family members, celebrating birthdays, touring the city a bit (we were on vacation, after all!) and seeing some old friends from both high school and college. We also celebrated Libby's Gotcha Day on the 4th! It would be impossible to recall and share all the details and memories made on this trip. The pictures will have to tell the story. Here goes:

Libby and her Papa

Gigi holds Gracie for the first time!

Gracie and Aunt Becky

Great Mimi holds Gracie for the first time. Gracie was a little unhappy, but we had traveled a long way and she was very tired.

Libby and her cousins, Taylor and Camryn, all dressed up in costumes for fun. Libby was, of course, a Chinese Chicken! haha!

"What? I didn't do anything wrong? Chinese Chickens never do anything wrong."

Papa and Gigi took Libby, Gracie and I to the SC Aquarium. Libby loved looking at the water in the Charleston harbor with Papa and Gigi.

Libby was a little too scared of the giant frog to sit right next to it. Close enough.

Taylor and Libby with Papa

Taylor, Libby and Gracie stand next to the stinky cage of a beautiful Bald Eagle.

Gracie looks sweet in this picture, but I'm sure she was about to tug on that beautiful blonde hair.

The four girls together - Libby, Gracie, Taylor and Camryn.

Libby and Taylor played hard. They got along so well and would play for hours together.

Gracie - close up. Love those big eyes and sweet lips!

The outfit Gracie has on is one that Libby wore to her own Court Appointment in China. Libby was 9 months at that point, so Gracie is passing up Libby's size at just 7 months! I love this pic of them together. So sweet!

Libby and Bowen. Bowen is the son of my dear friend Betty Jean. He is such a doll!

This is not the best photo angel, but its the best I've got because my photographer was Libby and since she is shorter, her view is not eye level. These are the beautiful and precious ladies with whom I went to high school. Betty Jean, Laura, Shannon and Leighanne. We had such a great time catching up at the Sunflower Cafe. I also went to college with Betty Jean. Betty and I go WAY back. Love that girl! Thank you for working out all the details for us to get together Betty. I love you!

My mom really enjoyed holding Gracie.

My dad with the girls.

Gracie with Ann and Pepa Strickland.

I drove with the girls to Columbia, SC (about a 2 hour drive north of Charleston) to see some of my best friends in the world. I met each of these ladies in college and our hearts have been joined since. I love them all so much. God has multiplied each of us and 8 kids were present for our gathering - and that's not counting the school aged children! Oh my! Libby had so much fun with the older girls and they were so sweet to include her in all their fun and games. It was a fabulous day catching up with these pearls! Libby and I also met another college friend, Misty, for lunch one afternoon and enjoyed catching up with her as well. It is so good to reminisce and remember the faithfulness of God in each of our lives. Alli, thank you for hosting us all in your beautiful home. We have to do this again soon girls!

Upstairs, the six older kids gathered for a movie. The 2 infants, Gracie and Lily, were downstairs with the ladies. Each of these precious faces glows with the love of God because each of their moms and dads love Jesus and are true to that in private just as much as they are in public - just good, authentic, people - each and every one!

The girls huddled in on Jason for some love and attention.

Becky threw some leaves around with Libby. Simple entertainment that works!!

Camryn has grown up so much since I last saw her in Nov. '08. I can't believe it's been that long. Camy is SASSY and so much fun!

We stayed at Becky's house for our entire stay. The girls adore her! Becky, you were a wonderful hostess and we enjoyed your home (which is looking fabulous, btw!) and your family. You are so laid back and fun! We missed you the moment you drove away at the airport.

A sweet sister moment.

We met some of Becky's friends and their kids for lunch at Chic-fil-A. Libby and Moli (I just realized I don't know how to spell her name - sorry Tara!) had a chance to catch up and play together. Tara gave me great info on homeschooling since I THINK I'm interested in doing that in the future. Moli and her sister, Grace, are precious! All the kids there were so cute. It was great being with Becky's friends!

Cuteness!

Cuteness again!

I love this picture. It looks like Gracie is coming in for a big slobbery kiss and Libby is graciously accepting.

Mom was able to give Gracie her bottle a couple of times. Sweet times.

WE FINALLY MET HUNTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is he a doll or what? He just sits there and observes his crazy girl cousins. He is squeezable, kissable and so very sweet! We were so happy to meet him. Kelly and Carissa had taken him to California to see Carissa's family, so we had to wait until the end of our trip to see them. It was worth the wait and extended stay. He is awesome!

Hunter is only a couple of weeks younger than Gracie. But he's in the 90th percentile in height, weight and head circumference so he was a big boy compared to Gracie Lu. This pic (above) was taken just minutes into their first introduction. I can't wait to see them grow up together over the years. I'm so happy Gracie has a cousin her own age!

Auntie Carissa with both girls.

Huggable Hunter asleep in his car seat.

Dad and Becky's birthday bash! Dad turned 60!!! Becky turned 32! It was great to celebrate both of them. Dad is a man of incredible strength, integrity and is has such a servant's heart. Becky is a lot like him in so many ways! She is always serving someone. Love them both so much!

Libby and I had fun decorating the room together.

Gracie gave Becky a big kiss!

The birthday pair!

The party guests - including my sweet little brother!

Gracie and Hunter at play.

So cute!

Carissa with Gracie

Kelly holding Libby

The sisters and their kiddos. 5 grandkids in all (so far!)

Jason gets some love from Taylor and Libby.

Libby and I had a date on the morning of September 4 to celebrate her 3rd. Gotcha Day Anniversary. From the moment she woke up all she wanted was a large lollipop!

The sweet girl God graciously gave to us! Isn't she pretty in her blue dress?!

We found the lollipop in the downtown market!

And then we took a carriage tour together. It was so much fun!

Lastly, we went to Bessengers just so we could throw down some old fashioned mac and cheese. YUM!